Final Project IEP - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... Other skills exhibited by gifted and talented children include leadership and organization. These skills are unique and they make talented children standout. However, talented children need special guidance to enable them achieves their potentials and evade destructive behavior (Whtmore & Maker, 1985). Individualized educational systems were found to be critical in enabling the young talents achieve their full potentials. Individualized educational programs, are programs that describes the goals and expectation of a child within an academic year under given conditions and support Adam is a six-year-old boy in the second grade. After his second birthday, his parents started noting a difference in his growth and development as compared to that of his peer. Unlike his peer, Adam had an outstanding ability to read since he was a two-year-old child. However, his parents were not quick to notice that Adam had a unique reading talent. Having a child who is good in almost everything, puts the child and the parent in an awkward position because, the parents do not want to seem like they view their child as more special than their friend’s children. In addition, Adam wanted to fit in his age group, but his exceptional talents put him in constant trouble. His parents have reported that his interest in various matters is very intriguing. For example, Adam is interested in international and national matters such as environmental issues and terrorism. His curiosity makes him relentless in demanding answers, and he will not give up, until he finds an answer. He cannot stop asking about questions concerning God and life after death, the interesting bit is that, this has gone on for the past one and a half years. Unlike other children, Adam is not only interested in knowing whom God is, but also where he can be found. Adam is also very sensitive and he usually scrutinizes the validity of all responses given to him before accepting them. His talent in visual and performing arts is evident from his intense interest in music and very impressive drawings, which his parents agree could be on an exhibition wall. Adam’s teachers report that he always wants to please his teachers and, therefore looks for their approval in everything he does. Although this habit might be beneficial to him in the short-term, it might prevent him from acquiring other important skills in life. His ability to grasp concepts is far beyond that of his peers; this makes him to complete his class work before other students. He usually uses his free time staring into space or scribbling imaginary shapes on a piece of paper. Adams prefers the company of children in older grades because; his age mates perceive his intense knowledge about various concepts as abnormal. The fact that his academic performance is excellent also makes him unpopular with his friends. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, approximately 5-7% of all United States youth and children have a special talent in a particular field (Whtmore & Maker, 1985). This translates to about three million children in the country being in possession of a special talent. It has also been noted that the ability of children to grasp concept varies with states. Whereas some states have 5% of their children having this special talent, others have 3% of their total children population. Teachers are therefore required to ensure that such children develop ...Download file to see next pagesRead More